Content Policy for Verizon Networks

Verizon’s Guiding Principles for Content

Verizon distributes, produces and facilitates access to content in a manner consistent with its corporate values. These values include respect for customer choice, respect for customer privacy and security, and dedication to full compliance with the law.

Accordingly, Verizon adheres to the following Guiding Principles with respect to content:

1. Where Verizon offers its own content or other parties’ content through one of its platforms, it does so based on factors that include content ratings provided by existing rating systems and consistency with acceptable industry practices. Verizon believes in giving customers the ability to make informed choices about the content it offers by making any ratings and other information readily available to customers and by giving customers access to the tools they can use to monitor and control the content they obtain.
2. As a network provider, Verizon provides access to the Internet and, through it, to services and content, the substance of which, Verizon does not own, develop or control. Verizon is committed to empowering its customers to make informed choices about the services and content they want to access over its network. Verizon is committed to supporting its customers by providing access to personal content management tools, such as parental controls, as well as access to educational materials and other resources about content rating systems to assist parents and other users in identifying appropriate content for themselves and their children.
3. Verizon respects freedom of expression and our customers' ability to freely access and disseminate the lawful content of their choosing in a manner that respects others' use of the network and that complies with the law. Verizon supports sound industry practices for safeguarding children, the intellectual property rights of content owners, and the privacy and security of our customers.
4. Verizon exercises broad discretion over its choice of brands and companies that advertise on its platforms. Verizon’s selection of advertising partners and content takes into account our corporate values as well as those of our business partners and customers.

Verizon FiOS TV’s General Content Guidelines

1. Content Generated By Or On Behalf of Verizon FiOS TV: This category covers content/programming that FiOS TV generates or produces, or to content that a third party generates or produces on FiOS TV's behalf. Content in this category is closely identified with the FiOS TV brand and FiOS TV generally has a higher degree of control over it. Examples of content in this category include programming on FiOS TV's FiOS One Channel such as the Push/Pause and Limbo television series.

   1. Content standard for this category: FiOS TV will only air content in this category that is lawful and will not knowingly air content that includes material in any of the following excluded content categories:

      • Content that contains anything that is obscene or indecent, or anything with strong sexual, explicit or erotic themes or that links to such content; or
      • Content that contains hate speech; or
      • Content that contains excessive violence; or
      • Content that contains extreme profanity; or
      • Content that contains misleading or fraudulent claims; or
      • Content that promotes or glamorizes alcohol abuse, illegal drug use or use of tobacco products.

      Consistent with prevailing industry standards, content that does not satisfy the above guidelines may be aired by FiOS TV if it is included in the context of artistic, educational, medical, news, scientific, or sports material.

2. Third-Party Content FiOS TV Distributes On The Verizon FiOS TV-Branded Video Programming Distribution System: This category covers third-party programming FiOS TV licenses from other entities and distributes over Verizon’s FiOS TV video programming distribution system. Examples of content in this category include the ESPN, Discovery Channel, CNN, ABC, CBS and NBC channels, as well as Hollywood movies and other individual programming assets. In contrast to the content in Category 1, above, content in this category is licensed from third parties and is distributed on the FiOS TV-branded platform without editorial control or input from FiOS TV management.

   Much of the content in this category is rated by a third-party ratings body, and to the extent feasible, FiOS TV will leverage existing ratings systems and content management tools to empower customers to make their own choices about the types of content they choose to view. Parental controls are available for most, if not all, of this content.

   Additionally, FiOS TV may, in its discretion and where it has the ability to do so, elect not to license a particular channel or distribute specific content that is inconsistent with Verizon’s Guiding Principles on Content. For those channels that FiOS TV elects to distribute, FiOS TV has no editorial input or control over the specific programming aired by the channel.

   The content standards for content in this category are described below:

   1. Content Standard for Rated Content: Third-party groups have rated this content and content management tools, such as parental controls and service blocks, are available to limit or restrict access to content.

   2. Content Standard for Content That Is Not Rated: Content in this category has not been rated. However, FiOS TV offers state-of-the art content management tools, such as parental controls and service blocks that allow customers to block this content in its entirety. However, consistent with industry practice, parental controls may not restrict news, weather, and sports programming.

   3. Mature-Themed Programming Content: Content in this category is Not-Rated, and customers may block this content in its entirety by activating FiOS TV's state-of-the-art parental controls.

   In all of the above cases, FiOS TV will only distribute content that is lawful and is consistent with similar types of programming offered by major cable and satellite providers.

3. Content to Which FiOS TV, As A Video Programming Distributor, Is Required To Provide Access: Content in this category covers content that FiOS TV, in its role as a video programming distributor, is required, by law or regulation, to offer to customers, but which FiOS TV does not purchase, license, develop, generate, promote or exercise editorial control over. The content standards for content in this category are described below:

   1. Content Standard for Leased Access Channels: Content in this category refers to unaffiliated third-party programming contained on FiOS TV's leased access channels that FiOS TV is required to exhibit pursuant to Federal law and the Federal Communications Commission's Leased Access Rules (47 C.F.R. § 76.701). As a general matter, Federal law and regulation does not allow FiOS TV to have editorial control or input over content third parties air on the FiOS TV leased access channels.

      However, consistent with Federal Law and the Federal Communications Commission's Leased Access rules (47 C.F.R. § 76.701), content on FiOS TV's Leased Access channels should not include obscenity, indecency, or nudity. Accordingly, FiOS TV has the right to reject any such content, and any third party that desires to air programming on the FiOS TV Leased Access channels must first, among other things, certify that such content is not obscene or indecent. Content on Verizon’s Leased Access channels is Not-Rated, and customers may block this content in its entirety by activating FiOS TV's state-of-the-art parental controls.

   2. Content Standard for Public, Educational and Government (PEG) Channels: Content in this category is unaffiliated third-party programming contained on FiOS TV's PEG channels that FiOS TV is required to exhibit pursuant to state and/or local franchise agreements. As a general matter, FiOS TV does not have editorial control or input over content contained on the PEG channels that are carried on FiOS TV. Pursuant to the Federal Communications Commission's PEG Channel rules (47 C.F.R. § 702), FiOS TV may refuse to transmit any public access program that Verizon reasonably believes contains obscenity. Content on Verizon’s PEG channels is Not-Rated, and customers may block this content in its entirety by activating FiOS TV's state-of-the-art parental controls.

   3. Content Standard for Web-based Programming: Content in this category refers to unaffiliated third-party programming available via the Internet, which FiOS TV customers may be able to access using the FiOS TV set-top box and network. Content obtained from the Internet through FiOS TV is covered by, and subject to, Category 3 of the Verizon Online General Content Guidelines.

Verizon Online’s General Content Guidelines

1. Content Generated By Or On Behalf Of Verizon Online: This category covers content that Verizon Online generates or produces or content that a third party generates or produces on Verizon Online's behalf. Content in this category is closely identified with Verizon or Verizon Online, and Verizon generally has a higher degree of control over it. Examples of content in this category include certain content appearing on Verizon Surround (like V CAST Today) and original content such as FiOS One episodes displayed on a Verizon Online platform.

   1. Content standard for this category: Verizon Online will only distribute content that we produce or generate (or others do on our behalf) that is lawful and will not knowingly distribute content that includes material in any of the following excluded content categories:

      • Content that contains anything that is obscene or indecent, or anything with strong sexual, explicit or erotic themes or that links to such content; or
      • Content that contains hate speech; or
      • Content that contains excessive violence; or
      • Content that contains extreme profanity; or
      • Content that contains misleading or fraudulent claims; or
      • Content that promotes or glamorizes alcohol abuse, illegal drug use or use of tobacco products.

      Consistent with prevailing online industry standards, content that does not satisfy the above guidelines may be distributed by Verizon Online if it is included in the context of artistic, educational, medical, news, scientific, or sports material.

2. Third-Party Content Verizon Online Distributes On A Verizon Online-Branded Distribution Platform: This category covers content contained on a Verizon Online-branded distribution platform (e.g., Verizon Surround) but which is not created by or on behalf of Verizon Online. Examples include NFL Network, Music by Rhapsody, and other similar content.

   The content standards for content in this category are described below:

   1. Content Standard for Rated Content: "Rated content" refers to content that third-party groups have rated and for which content management tools, such as parental controls, are available. Verizon Online will typically require its content suppliers to provide their content with a rating that is benchmarked to the appropriate industry standard (e.g., Electronic Software Ratings Board, Recording Industry Association of America, Motion Picture Association of America.).

   2. Content Standard for Content That is Not Rated: Content in this category has not been rated by any third-party ratings group. In making this content available, Verizon Online will generally adhere to the guidelines in Category 1, above, and will not knowingly distribute content that does not adhere to these guidelines.

      In each of the above cases, content appearing on Verizon Online-branded distribution platforms must be lawful and consistent with standard industry practices. In addition, Verizon (and others) makes available content management tools, such as parental controls, to help parents and other users limit access to content they may find objectionable.

   3. Internet Search: The use of Internet search tools can lead to content that some users may find unsuitable. Recognizing this, Verizon Online makes available safe search tools for searches conducted on Verizon-branded websites that help its customers determine the level of search filtering they deem appropriate, and that help parents and other users to limit access to content they may find objectionable.

3. Content to Which Verizon Online, As A Network Provider, Provides Access - General Internet Content: This category covers non-Verizon content that customers access using their Internet connection. Content in this category includes the vast range of information and images generally available via the Internet through websites, search, newsgroups, and other sources. Verizon Online does not generate, own or develop this content, and, therefore, has no control over it.

   1. Content Standard for General Internet Content: The Internet is a free marketplace of ideas. Currently, no industry standards apply to content on the Internet. However, Verizon Online offers content management tools to help customers establish appropriate controls regarding the content that is accessible through their computer, and, in the process, Verizon Online helps parents and other users control the types of content that they and their families can access online. These tools include parental controls offered by Verizon Online and by its portal partners, as well as an Internet Safe Search feature to help control search results initiated from Verizon Online websites.

Verizon Wireless’ General Content Guidelines

1. Content Generated By Or On Behalf of Verizon Wireless: This content category covers content Verizon Wireless generates or produces or that a third party produces or generates on Verizon Wireless' behalf. This content is so closely identified with the Verizon Wireless brand that one could reasonably assume Verizon Wireless has given the content its approval. Examples of content in this category include some of the video clips distributed through V CAST Video (e.g. V CAST Today video clips) and some of the applications distributed through Get It Now (e.g., VZ Navigator, VZW Tones, VZW Pix).

   Advertising, user generated and short code-based messaging campaigns used for purposes other than distributing content are not covered by these guidelines. They are addressed below by separate guidelines.

   1. Content standard for this category: Verizon Wireless will only distribute content in this category that is lawful and does not otherwise fall into the categories of excluded content described below. Verizon Wireless will not knowingly distribute any content in this category that includes material described below:

      • Content that contains anything that is obscene or indecent or anything with strong sexual, explicit or erotic themes or that links to such content; or
      • Content that contains hate speech; or
      • Content that contains excessive violence; or
      • Content that contains extreme profanity; or
      • Content that contains misleading or fraudulent claims; or
      • Content that promotes or glamorizes alcohol abuse, illegal drug use or use of tobacco products.

      Consistent with prevailing standards in other content distribution mediums, content in this category that does not satisfy the above guidelines may be distributed by Verizon Wireless if included in the context of artistic, educational, medical, news, scientific or sports material.

      Content in this category must also comply with applicable industry standards (e.g., Mobile Marketing Association’s Consumer Best Practices Guidelines, CTIA's Wireless Content Guidelines).

2. Third-Party Content Verizon Wireless Distributes On A Verizon Wireless-Branded Distribution Platform: This content category covers content distributed through Verizon Wireless-branded distribution platforms such as Get It Now, V CAST Mobile TV, V CAST Music, V CAST Video and short code-based messaging campaigns. Some of this content is rated, while other content is unrated. Content management tools are available to limit or restrict access to this content.

   This content must be lawful and comply with applicable industry standards (e.g. Mobile Marketing Association's Best Practices, CTIA's Wireless Content Guidelines, etc.). Content distributed through Verizon Wireless-branded distribution platforms cannot disparage Verizon Wireless or its affiliates.

   The content standards for content in this category are described below:

   1. Content Standard for Rated Content: Third-party groups have rated this content and content management tools, such as parental controls and service blocks, are available to limit or restrict access to this content. Verizon Wireless will leverage existing ratings systems and make content management tools available in connection with the distribution of this content. Equipped with these tools, customers are empowered to make their own choices about the types of content they choose to access. Verizon Wireless may, in its discretion, elect not to carry certain types of content based on, among other things, ratings and prevailing industry practices.

   2. Content Standard for Content That is Not Rated: Content in this category has not been rated. However, content management tools, such as parental controls and service blocks, are available in connection with the distribution of this content to enable customers to limit or restrict access to the content. Examples of content in this category include unrated wallpaper and ringtones distributed through Verizon Wireless' Get It Now platform.

   Verizon Wireless will encourage its content providers to rate content they seek to distribute over a Verizon Wireless-branded distribution platform. If, however, the content is not rated, Verizon Wireless will not distribute any such content unless it complies with the requirements contained in Category 1 above.

3. Content To Which Verizon Wireless, As A Network Provider, Provides Access - General Internet Content: Content in this category covers content that Verizon Wireless, in its role as a network provider, enables customers to access on the Internet, but which Verizon Wireless does not generate, own or control (e.g. content that a user accesses by browsing or searching). This content includes the vast range of content available on the Internet using mobile devices.

   1. Content Standard for General Internet Content: The Internet is a free marketplace of ideas. Currently, there are no industry standards that apply to content on the Internet. However, Verizon Wireless offers content management tools to help customers establish appropriate controls regarding the content that is accessible to them from the Internet via their mobile devices. These tools include parental controls and service blocks.

Verizon Wireless’ Short Code Messaging Content Guidelines

Short code-based messaging campaigns vary widely. The following standards apply to the various categories of short code messaging.

1. Campaigns used to distribute content (e.g., wallpapers, ringtones, games, videos, jokes, horoscopes, alerts, etc.) to customers of Verizon Wireless must comply with Verizon Wireless' General Content Guidelines.

2. Campaigns used to advertise, promote or market companies, goods or services (e.g., coupons, offers, brand awareness, marketing-oriented sweepstakes and contests, etc.) to customers of Verizon Wireless must comply with Verizon’s Advertising Content Guidelines.

3. Campaigns used to provide services that enable posting or transmission of user- generated content (e.g., chat or flirt programs, communities, bulletin boards, blogs, photo or video portals, social networks, etc.) by customers of Verizon Wireless must comply with Verizon’s User Generated Content Guidelines.

All other campaigns, including campaigns of political and advocacy groups, will be governed by the policy set forth in the letter of Lowell C. McAdam, President and Chief Executive Officer of Verizon Wireless, to The Honorable John D. Dingell dated September 28, 2007. Under that policy, Verizon Wireless will provide short code-based messaging services to any group that is delivering legal content to customers who affirmatively indicate that they desire to receive such content.

All short code-based messaging campaigns provided to customers of Verizon Wireless must comply with applicable industry standards (e.g., Mobile Marketing Association's Best Practices, CTIA's Wireless Content Guidelines, etc.).

Verizon Business’ Content Guidelines

As a network provider, Verizon Business provides business, government and wholesale customers with access to the Internet and, through it, to services and content which Verizon Business does not own, develop or control.

Verizon Business respects freedom of expression and our customers' ability to freely access and disseminate the lawful content of their choosing in a manner that respects others' use of the network and that complies with the law.

All use of Verizon Business' Internet Services and related equipment and facilities must comply with Verizon Business' Acceptable Use Policy, available online at www.verizonbusiness.com/terms.

Verizon’s User Generated Content Guidelines

These guidelines apply to services that enable the posting or transmission of content that users generate (e.g., chat or flirt programs, communities, bulletin boards, blogs, photo or video portals, social networks, etc.); in other words, "User Generated Content Services" or "UGC Services." These guidelines apply to UGC Services hosted by others but offered on a Verizon-branded content platform (Section I), and to UGC Services that are hosted by or on behalf of Verizon (Section 2).

1. User Generated Content Services Provided by A Third Party on a Verizon-Branded Content Platform.

   A third party User Generated Content Service appearing on a Verizon-branded content platform must comply with the law and have in place a set of sound practices which incorporate safeguards aimed at protecting users of the services from abuse, fraud and other inappropriate conduct or activities. These safeguards should, in particular, protect children and adolescents from predators and inappropriate content.

   Sound practices may evolve over time, but third party UGC Service policies under this category should include, at a minimum, the following [1]:

   • Prominent disclosure of the existence and nature of the safeguards on or through the provider's delivery platform (e.g., websites and other applications);
   • Assurances that relevant business practices conform to the disclosures made about the safeguards;
   • Processes to accept complaints from users of the services about nudity, pornography, harassment, unwelcome contact, fraud or other inappropriate conduct or activity via hyperlinks prominently placed throughout the provider's delivery platforms or other complaint reporting mechanisms; and
   • Processes to immediately (within 24 hours) acknowledge receipt of a complaint about inappropriate conduct or activity and promptly (within three business days) provide an explanation to the complainant of the steps taken to address the complaint.

   While the above sound practices represent the minimum basic elements that UGC Service providers should include in their practices, such providers can and should have additional requirements that are customized to the unique characteristics of their individual services.

   Additionally, third party hosted UGC Services should adopt policies and practices to ensure compliance with the law, including appropriate notice and take-down procedures for unlawful content.

   User Generated Content Services in this category must also comply with applicable industry standards (e.g., Mobile Marketing Association's Best Practices, CTIA's Wireless Content Guidelines, etc.). These guidelines apply to any User Generated Content Services that will be included on Verizon-branded content platforms as well as to short code-based messaging campaigns that will be used to provide such services.

2. User Generated Content Services Verizon Hosts Or User Generated Content Services Hosted On Verizon’s Behalf.

   UGC Services offered and hosted by Verizon or that are hosted by a third party on Verizon’s behalf must comply with the minimum sound practices referenced in Section 1 above.

   Hosted UGC Services in this category generally fall into two groups: those that are "open" (e.g., publicly accessible) and those that are "closed" (e.g., not publicly accessible). Verizon supports the use of proactive controls on "open" UGC Services, where they are commercially available, to help identify and protect against user generated content that is offensive or unlawful, or content that fails to comply with the UGC Service's terms of use or acceptable use policy. For "closed" communities or sites, Verizon generally will not provide (or require others to provide) proactive controls.

   Verizon will provide an acceptable use policy for its UGC Services that is consistent with Verizon’s Guiding Principles for Content, and all users will be required to comply with the policy as a condition of their continued use of Verizon’s UGC Services.

   In all cases, UGC Services that Verizon offers will comply with the law, including applicable notice and take-down requirements for unlawful content.

   User Generated Content Services in this category must also comply with applicable industry standards (e.g., Mobile Marketing Association's Best Practices, CTIA's Wireless Content Guidelines, etc.).

Verizon’s Advertising Content Guidelines

These advertising guidelines apply to third party advertisements, which appear on Verizon-branded websites or platforms and are part of a Verizon-controlled advertising inventory ("Advertisements" or "Advertising"). These guidelines also apply to short-code based messaging campaigns that advertise or promote companies, goods or services (e.g., coupons, offers, brand awareness, marketing-oriented sweepstakes or contests, etc.). These guidelines do not apply to advertising that may appear on a non-Verizon website, or on a Verizon-branded website or platform where Verizon does not control the advertising inventory.

Verizon maintains an advertising review group that examines Advertising for compliance with these guidelines. Wherever practicable, Verizon’s advertising review group will review Advertising prior to publication.

Verizon may reject Advertisements which it believes are misleading, inaccurate, or which make fraudulent or unfair competitive claims. Verizon may also reject Advertisements which, in our judgment, make insufficiently supported claims or claims that distort the true meaning or practical application of statements made by the advertiser. Advertisements may not contain material that is patently offensive or which violates the law (e.g., libel, copyright, trademark, right of privacy, etc.). Additionally, Verizon may reject Advertisements which fail to comply with Verizon’s standards of decency and good taste.

All Advertisements must comply with applicable industry standards (e.g., Mobile Marketing Association's Best Practices, CTIA's Wireless Content Standards, etc.). All Advertising should also comply with applicable advertising standards adopted by various associations for specific products and services such as the advertising guidelines adopted by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and the Children's Advertising Review Unit of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

Verizon’s Advertising Content Guidelines are based on industry practices and do not purport to include an exhaustive list of all types of Advertising Verizon would find objectionable. As part of Verizon’s commitment to provide the highest quality services and experience to its customers, Verizon will not accept certain types of Advertising. For example, in addition to the foregoing, Advertisements may not contain any material that Verizon, in its discretion, deems to fall into the following categories or that links to such material [2]:

• Anything that is obscene or indecent or that contains strong sexual, explicit or erotic themes; or
• Products or sites depicting or providing how-to materials about pedophilia or other non-consensual contact; or
• Products or sites that suggest the availability of prostitution services; or
• Products or sites that advocate, glorify or promote rape, torture, cannibalism, suffering or death; or
• Individuals seeking to adopt children or who offer children for adoption; or
• Products that descramble cable or satellite signals in order to get free services; or
• Products that promote software or techniques that bypass copyright protections; or
• Counterfeit, fake or bootleg products or replicas or imitations of designer products; or
• Promotes nudity, nude beaches or naked cruises or resorts; or
• Products or sites that appear to facilitate or promote the evasion of laws (e.g., radar detectors, etc.); or
• Products made from endangered species; or
• Products or sites that offer fake identification or falsified documentation; or
• Promotes the sale of firearms or ammunition by mail order or at gun shows; or
• Products or sites that have online gambling as a central theme; or
• Promotes services, contests or games that predict winners of races or sporting events; or
• Trivializes historic events such as the Holocaust, the Irish Famine or September 11th; or
• Hunting trips that guarantee animals will be available for kill; or
• Multilevel marketing schemes; or
• Organ transplant services; or
• Products or sites that guarantee credit repair or credit cards; or
• Products or sites of questionable legality (e.g., miracle cures, etc.); or
• Escort services or "strip" clubs; or
• Hate speech; or
• Excessive violence; or
• Defamatory, libelous or threatening sites; or
• Extreme profanity; or
• Depicts, promotes or is designed to facilitate alcohol abuse, illegal drug use or use of tobacco products.

Verizon reserves the right to reject Advertisements that promote competitors of Verizon and Advertisements that harm Verizon’s brand or public image.

If Advertisements contain statements or illustrations that are not deemed acceptable and that Verizon thinks should be changed or eliminated, Verizon may, at its election, notify the advertiser. Verizon may attempt to negotiate changes to the Advertisements with the advertiser, but is not obligated to do so.